Republic Wireless Reviews

Monday, November 17, 2014 - 15:40

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Prepaid

Republic Wireless

Republic Wireless is a wireless communications services provider based in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 2011, the company announced it would provide a monthly subscription of $19 per month for wireless service with unlimited calling, texting, and data on a "Hybrid Calling" system.

Republic Wireless began beta service on November 8, 2011. The only phone currently available is the Motorola Defy XT, which is priced at $99, however they announced that the Moto X would become available soon, priced at $299.

On November 19, 2012, Republic Wireless ended its private beta and is now open to the public. Like before, the only available phone from the carrier is the Motorola Defy XT.

Hybrid calling

Republic Wireless is "inverting the network" in that "Wi-Fi is primary and cellular is a fallover." The model relies on a proprietary VoIP application for the Android operating system that has the ability to switch between Sprint's CDMA mobile networks and WiFi, depending on whether WiFi access is available.
Reception

TechCrunch expressed excitement about the announcement and described the plan as potentially disruptive to the wireless markets. The publication described the "WiFi first" model as an attractive feature because of the prevalence of WiFi access and the superiority of WiFi connections over digital mobile networks, which they expect will improve call reception and clarity. CNet wrote that the low price point would be "a home run" for parents who are interested in low-cost plans for young children. The Atlantic was more hesitant, acknowledging that the price point would be attractive to some consumers but speculating that the low-cost business model may lead to unreliable service. The magazine also suggested that since Republic Wireless purchases its air time wholesale from Sprint, it is dependent on major telecommunications companies who may be inclined to limit the company's growth to prevent it from becoming too disruptive.

PC World questioned Republic Wireless' marketing the plan as "unlimited" given the expectations that users monitor a "Cellular Usage Index" and remain within "fair use guidelines". The magazine faulted the company for advertising unlimited voice and data while simultaneously describing membership as a "privilege" and reserving the right to terminate users who crossed an undefined "fair use threshold". MSNBC wrote that coverage will be unlimited on WiFi access but when on the mobile network, consumers will be held to a monthly limit of 550 minutes of voice, 150 SMS, and 300 megabytes of data or face termination of their subscription. In December 2011, Republic Wireless eliminated this fair use threshold.Republic Wireless Website